Tupelo, MS - Dr. John Kenney "Your Dental Health" Water Picks
Oral irrigators, or water picks, are becoming more common as a way to clean the spaces in between teeth. A water pick is a hand held device that works by gently aiming a stream of water at your teeth. This water cleans food particles from the surface of your teeth. Water picks have been shown to decrease gum bleeding and improve gum health. People with braces or bridges, who can sometimes have trouble using dental floss, can benefit from using a water pick. But should you replace your dental floss with a water pick? Researchers say not so fast. While water picks can be a great addition to you oral care routine, daily brushing and flossing is the best defense against oral health problems like gingivitis and plaque and tartar build up.